Ana Sthella Galvan (nee Santivanez) passed away on Saturday, Sept. 7 after a two and a half year battle with cancer.

A native of Argentina, Galvan was on vacation in New York City in 1968 and met and married Ruben Galvan. In early 1972, shortly after the birth of their second daughter, Galvan moved to Cliffside Park, N.J. and began working with architects in the area. Having received her Masters in Architecture from Cordoba School of Architecture, Universidad de Cordoba, Argentina, and being a licensed architect as well, Ms. Galvan decided to pursue her license in the United States. She completed her courses at Columbia University and became licensed in 1979.

Then in 1980 she opened her own office, Ana Galvan Architects, in Union City, N.J. There she became a vibrant member of the community, involved not only in private projects but numerous local government projects such as day care centers, public parks, and fire stations. Ms. Galvan, during her 43 year career, worked on or completed over 800 projects.

In addition, Ms. Galvan was also a great supporter of continuing education in architecture and many charitable organizations. She held a number of positions of distinction including: Member, New Jersey State Broad of Architects, Member, National Council Architects Registration Broad – Intern Development Program, and Grading Member for National Architects Registration Exams. United Cerebral Palsy also honored Ms. Galvan for her work in designing group homes.

Ms. Galvan is survived by her daughters, Virginia Galvan and Rosana Thompson; her brother, Victor Santivanez; her sister, Lia Raquel Ansaldi; her son-in-law, David Reynolds; and her grandson, Leo Cyrus Reynolds.

A memorial service was held in her honor on Monday, Sept. 16 at Leber’s Funeral Home in Union City, NJ 07087. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.